Eurofighter Typhoon joins the race for Indian MRCA order

Bangalore, Feb 7 (UNI) Joining the race with the giants in what is looked upon as a major combat aircraft deal in 15 years, Eurofighter consortium today pitched in their Typhoon for the 126 combat aircraft proposal of IAF, making a strong presence at the Aero India 2007.

Eurofighter GMBH Chief Executive Officer Aloysiusrauin told newsmen at a press briefing here that Typohoon was an optimum solution for the air defence needs of India and the best candidate in the upcoming procurement programme for the next generation multirole fighter aircraft of IAF.

Stating that Typhoon would continue to deliver value for decades to come, he said that Air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK have a formidable air to air fighter in Typhoon and now the Consortium was moving towards full swing role capability. With firm orders of 638 from four nations besides Asia, the Consortium said it was offering potential partners a chance to join Eurofighter in producing the world's biggest selling new generation fighter.

The capabilities of the Typhoon was incorporated in a unique cockpit demonstrator with air to air and air to ground capabilities displayed at the Eurofighter stand. Addtional features on display included the EJ200 engine and the electronic scanning antenna developed by the Euroradar consortium.

Typhoon is the result of a consolidation process in Europe with four participating partners agreeing to replace various aircraft types with multi role Eurofighter Typhoon. More then 100 aicraft had already been delivered and was in operation in seven countries.

Major candidates for the order, Boeing (F-18), Lockheed Margin(f16), MIG (Mig 35) and Gripen (Saab) have brought their machines here for live demonstration of the prowess of their multirole fighter aircraft hoping for the Request for Proposal from the IAF to be released later this year.

UNI